Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has joined other professionals and stakeholders at a one-day hybrid professional training organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Anambra State Chapter, with emphasis on rebuilding public trust, accountability and professionalism in strategic communication.
The training, held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at De Nobles Hotel and Suites, Awka, was themed “Re-inventing Public Trust, Accountability, Professionalism and Excellence in Anambra State: Harnessing Public Relations Best Practices in the Government, Corporate and Public Sectors.”
The programme brought together Public Relations practitioners from various sectors to examine emerging challenges in the profession and the growing importance of strategic communication in governance, corporate practice and public administration.
In view of the professional relevance of the programme to the University’s Public Relations Unit, the Vice-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, nominated members of the Unit to represent the institution at the training.
A major focus of the programme was the role of trust and credibility in Public Relations. Speakers emphasised that professional communication must be founded on verified facts, accuracy and responsible information management rather than assumptions, hearsay or unverified claims.
Participants were also reminded that the reputation of an institution is significantly influenced by the quality of information it releases to the public, highlighting the importance of branding, reputation management and sound professional judgement.
The training further examined the changing role of Public Relations in the digital age. Practitioners were encouraged to move beyond conventional publicity and information dissemination and embrace their strategic roles in organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, reputation management and the effective use of opportunities within the digital economy.
Other areas discussed included time management, accuracy in reporting, research and continuous professional development, with participants encouraged to regard learning and knowledge acquisition as an ongoing responsibility.
Representing COOU at the programme were Mr. Felix Joe, Mr. Christopher Ohaerisim, Mr. Ezeorji Uchenna and Miss Nnemelu Chukwuemelie Perpetual.
Speaking during the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Omenugha charged Public Relations practitioners to remain informed, visible and relevant in an increasingly dynamic communication environment.
She stressed that accountability, trust and professionalism begin with the individuals representing institutions, urging practitioners to remain open to learning and professional development.
According to her, “no knowledge is a waste,” underscoring the importance of continuously acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Reflecting on her administration at COOU, Prof. Omenugha noted that her emergence as substantive Vice-Chancellor was driven by the vision of the 3Vs Values, Viability and Visibility, which she said has become deeply embedded in the University’s activities and institutional identity.
She also acknowledged the influence of her professional background and membership of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on her career journey, emphasising that continuous learning and professional grounding are essential to achieving meaningful results.
For the COOU Public Relations Unit, participation in the training provided an opportunity to engage with contemporary professional practices, exchange ideas with other practitioners and strengthen the knowledge required to effectively communicate the University’s activities and institutional vision.
The engagement further reinforces COOU’s emphasis on its 3Vs trajectory of Values, Viability and Visibility.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
